The traditional model of mineral exploration, long, expensive, and often a hit-or-miss endeavor, is being dismantled. In its place, a new, data-driven era is emerging, and Mfikeyi Makayi, CEO of KoBold Metals Africa, is leading the charge.
Makayi has confirmed her participation as a keynote speaker at African Mining Week (AMW) 2026 in Cape Town this October, where she will unpack how Artificial Intelligence is fundamentally reshaping the economics of mining in Africa.
KoBold Metals has moved quickly from concept to reality, utilizing proprietary AI algorithms to map the earth’s crust with unprecedented precision. The results are already turning heads:
- Zambia: KoBold is a driving force behind the $2.3 billion Mingomba Mine, which is set to help Zambia hit its goal of 3 million tons of copper production by 2031. The project famously moved from discovery to development in just five years, a timeline that would have been unthinkable a decade ago.
- Burundi: The company is partnering with the government to digitize vast geological archives, using AI to identify untapped deposits of nickel, copper, and cobalt.
- DRC: KoBold is currently advancing a $1 billion investment into the Manono Lithium Project, one of the world’s largest hard-rock lithium deposits.
Exploration is inherently risky, but AI acts as a sophisticated de-risking engine. By analyzing massive datasets, AI helps companies drill fewer holes to find more minerals. This not only lowers capital expenditure but also significantly reduces the environmental footprint of exploration.
“As African markets seek to unlock more discoveries with fewer drill holes and lower costs, Makayi’s insights at AMW 2026 will provide a roadmap for the next generation of mining projects,” says the event’s preview.
For investors and mining stakeholders, the message is clear: the future of African mining isn’t just in the ground; it’s in the data.
